Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Have had this for awhile because I'm eternally a shark girl, but finally decided to read it because I'm in my Sasha Colby Era and I'm going to enter my own Hawaii Era in a few weeks. Unfortunately, this was not my kind of literary fiction. Interesting set of characters and a compelling idea here about destinies and making your own, but it never really hit for me. It comes close near the end when the magical realism kicks up a notch, but I wanted to feel more from this than I did. Also, maybe this is just an expression of how much this talks about bodily functions, smells and tastes, but I swear to God I never was not eating every time someone talked about shit during this thing. Literally right in front of my salad.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
NOTE: This author grew up in Hawaii, but is not Native Hawaiian. In an interview, he describes learning about the myths depicted in this book from friends and in school.
I really think this book is something special — It’s nothing and more than what I expected so I’m going to keep this review vague to try to maintain the mystery factor for other readers.
First of all, the PROSE. I wish I had the words to better describe Washburn’s style beyond that it feels so sharp and tactile. He also has a way of making the most mundane or unromantic things beautiful. This style is maintained across POVs while still keeping each character’s voice distinct.
For the story itself, the magical realism element is less of a focus and more of an avenue to deeply explore complex family dynamics and trauma (particularly related to colonization and poverty). The book switches between the POVs of three siblings as they grow up in a home where one gifted sibling carries the burden of helping financially support the family and the other two are in his shadow and, then, as all three try to ‘make it’ in some way on the mainland while separated from their family and dealing with old and new trauma. And it’s done so well.
It’s definitely heavy and emotional, but the characters also bring a lot of light and humour.
Unfortunately, I thought the last third lost itself a bit. I liked where it went, where it was going, and where it went after that, but that middle ‘where it was going’ part felt rushed compared to the care and depth in the first 2/3. This might have been what Washburn was going for, but it didn’t work as much for me. That being said, I’m excited for a future reread to see if my thoughts change and I’m eagerly awaiting Washburn’s next work.
I really think this book is something special — It’s nothing and more than what I expected so I’m going to keep this review vague to try to maintain the mystery factor for other readers.
First of all, the PROSE. I wish I had the words to better describe Washburn’s style beyond that it feels so sharp and tactile. He also has a way of making the most mundane or unromantic things beautiful. This style is maintained across POVs while still keeping each character’s voice distinct.
For the story itself, the magical realism element is less of a focus and more of an avenue to deeply explore complex family dynamics and trauma (particularly related to colonization and poverty). The book switches between the POVs of three siblings as they grow up in a home where one gifted sibling carries the burden of helping financially support the family and the other two are in his shadow and, then, as all three try to ‘make it’ in some way on the mainland while separated from their family and dealing with old and new trauma. And it’s done so well.
It’s definitely heavy and emotional, but the characters also bring a lot of light and humour.
Unfortunately, I thought the last third lost itself a bit. I liked where it went, where it was going, and where it went after that, but that middle ‘where it was going’ part felt rushed compared to the care and depth in the first 2/3. This might have been what Washburn was going for, but it didn’t work as much for me. That being said, I’m excited for a future reread to see if my thoughts change and I’m eagerly awaiting Washburn’s next work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Colonisation
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization
Major spoiler TW: major death of a family member
I’ve been wanting to read this since 2020 when Obama (amongst others) listed it as one of his favourite books of the year. Then I forgot about it and @maddiereads__ review reminded me to pick it up. And I’m so glad I did.
.
Another one that really wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. (I was expecting a lot more sharks and a lot more ocean.) What I got was a lot more family drama, generational trauma, Hawaiian spiritual connection and history, sibling rivalry, and guilt and sadness. I felt like it was heading down one path, then it just completely changed direction. It’s actually a really heartbreaking story.
.
There are some parts I still don’t fully understand, and I kind of think we’re not meant to. But it definitely touched me, and I just wanted so badly for things to work out for all family members. Some of the final scenes gave me goosebumps. I think it has a lot to say about removing people from their culture and their lands and the ongoing impact financially, socially and spiritually… and I think I’ll be thinking about this one for a good while to come.
.
Another one that really wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. (I was expecting a lot more sharks and a lot more ocean.) What I got was a lot more family drama, generational trauma, Hawaiian spiritual connection and history, sibling rivalry, and guilt and sadness. I felt like it was heading down one path, then it just completely changed direction. It’s actually a really heartbreaking story.
.
There are some parts I still don’t fully understand, and I kind of think we’re not meant to. But it definitely touched me, and I just wanted so badly for things to work out for all family members. Some of the final scenes gave me goosebumps. I think it has a lot to say about removing people from their culture and their lands and the ongoing impact financially, socially and spiritually… and I think I’ll be thinking about this one for a good while to come.
lost my bookmark, book ended up back on the shelf and I forgot about it oops. Enjoyed the first half, will pick up again
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix